Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesse Carlson.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
In brief, I went from working an 18 hour day on a food truck in 2020 to becoming an award winning realtor who serves on a theatre board, and runs multiple networking groups, while still finding more opportunities to perform and build that business through sharing.
Before getting into real estate, I studied at U of MN Morris (2011-2015) where I studied political science, psychology, and theatre, and was an avid community member. In the years that followed I worked in the hospitality industry bartending, serving, managing. When the pandemic hit, I worked a foodtruck for an 18 hour shift, and saw that as a call to try something different.
After taking some personality tests that suggested real estate for me, I decided to give it a shot and found that it’s a unique field where I can combine love of helping people, creative problem solving, and strategy all into one role. I love it!
Since receiving my license, I’ve helped dozens of families solve some of the toughest decisions of their lives. I do this by asking my clients “How did we get here?” “What obstacles would a new home solve for you?” and “Long Term, how do you want your life to roll out?”
Above is a basic character framework I learned studying theatre, retrofitted for homes.
Aside from clients, (thank you if you are reading this, of which none of this would be possible) I’m very proud of my collaborations and networking with other Realtors, community partners, and everything in between.
In 2022, Gary Judson and I founded the Breakfast Club, a round table discussion group for real estate agents of a wide swath of perspectives and skillsets. I don’t like saying that we “lead it” because we see it as “facilitating conversations.” We keep things pretty democratic and thrive on the diversity of opinion, and has been a channel for support, collaboration, and education which has inspired many other spin off groups who use our model.
In addition, I’m an active board member with a theatre group, “The Glory Players,” based out of Messiah Church in Plymouth, MN, who I’ve worked with for nearly a decade. Glory Players mission is to help build community through outreach and song and dance, a mission, I am completely on board with.
Past shows with them include Wizard of Oz, Music Man, and most recently a “One Night Only” event which I had the pleasure to help organize and MC along with castmate Sami Tierney. Basically, it was Musical Theatre Karaoke with light costumes and a few group songs.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Lots of bumps. Including learning to organize, overcoming poverty, and identity.
Eventually the organization came naturally, but it’s easy to get “shiny ball” syndrome in the early days of real estate because “everyone does it differently.” In general learning what the “minimum you need to do a job well,” became a mantra. “Less” became a common mantra of mine in 2024.
Overcoming Poverty, or it’s perception, was difficult. Hence, I leaned into community, folks who are excited to help one another, where small gestures and bringing value make a huge impact.
Identity-wise, I am the first person in my family to have a job where wearing a suit was appropriate attire. White-collar/professional jobs were not initially in my pedigree, so truthfully, I had a bit of discomfort around folks who had a “better” starting point. My cure for this became leaning into the talents and crafts that made me who I am in the first place, and encouraging others to do the things that make them feel unique. I call on people to act who they are! Discover what their dreams are, what do you actually enjoy doing, and what would your dream job be?? do that!
Learn about people, and take inspiration from them! how they work together, express themselves, and what stands in their way.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Jesse Carlson Real Estate?
RE/MAX Results
Glory Players
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
For Real Estate: Learn your process. Memorize it like you are quoting a movie, stick to it, edit as you must after each transaction.
For community and general rapport building: If you are like me, and are a fixer, I say ask questions, ask follow up questions, and repeat back what was said. This helps acknowledge them and cement your understanding of what they are going through, and helps discover what issues or opportunties could exist with a proper solution. “Be interested, not interesting.”
“Be interested, not interesting.” When developing relationships with people, ask relevant questions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jessecarlson.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessecarlsonrealtor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jesse.carlson2/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-carlson-0b296b205/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jessecarlsonrealtor
